Day Camp Age Groups

Age groups for camp are based on the grade your child will be going into in the fall. Children must be five years old to attend camp.

EXPLORERS
Entering kindergarten and first grade (Explorers must be five to attend camp.)
Nurturing and loads of fun combine to put big smiles on the faces of our littlest campers!  Special emphasis is placed on fostering a successful transition into the camp experience by making each child feel safe in his/her new environment.  Each small group is led by an experienced camp specialist who loves working with young children and who is keenly aware of the needs and energy levels of these V.I.P. campers. Specialists plan theme-related activities that stimulate curiosity and engage young campers in games, crafts, outdoor exploration and creative play.  Field trips, swimming* and the Friday Festival with other camp groups are highlights.  Explorers build confidence and discover their independence in a safe, age-appropriate setting, while at the same time learning social skills and making new friends!

PIONEERS
Entering second and third grade
Our high energy Pioneers lead the way to new ways to play with just the right blend of group activities and individual choice.  TRYtime group activities provide opportunities to sample and explore athletics, arts, adventure and more within assigned groups of campers who are the same age!  In addition, Pioneers enjoy two MYtime activity periods each week when they can specialize in an area of selected interest. Pioneers join the rest of camp for field trips, swimming* and the Friday Festival!  A team of experienced camp specialists leads this active group who love taking on new challenges while building lasting skills and friendships.

TRAILBLAZERS
Entering fourth and fifth grade
Trailblazers know what they want, and AFTER SCHOOL listens!  Trailblazers give more input into determining their own camp activities.  Through our MYtime program, campers choose a preferred activity from a tremendous range of athletic, artistic and adventurous possibilities!  Trailblazers are also eligible to enroll in a weekly specialty unit that allows them to explore a more specific topic in more depth.  Optional specialty unit topics include camping, drama, golf, canoeing and more! (Click on the themes/units button on the site's day camp page for descriptions.)  Trailblazers who don’t choose the week’s specialty unit enjoy a variety of TRYtime group activities within an assigned group of campers who are the same age.  Trailblazers join the rest of camp for field trips, swimming* and the Friday Festival!  Camp specialists are eager and ready to help these campers pursue their individual interests while respecting their growing independence and desire for social interaction.

LEADER-IN-TRAINING (LIT)
Entering sixth and eighth grade
Our oldest campers are supported by camp counselors to design a good portion of their own program and are encouraged to take on leadership roles within camp. Leadership opportunities include reading to younger campers, sharing skills with the Explorers during TRYtime activity periods, adding delicious and creative twists to snack with fun cooking projects, doing community service activities and helping to plan and host the weekly Friday Festival! MYtime is a chance to be with friends while doing activities or working on projects based on individual interests.  LITs enjoy swimming* and field trips with the rest of the camp, but may also take field trips with LITs from other camps planned just for our oldest campers.  (Additional opportunities for this age group include Middle School U and Wander Wisconsin.)

COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING (CIT)
14-17 Year Olds
The goal of the Counselor-In-Training (CIT) position is to provide young teenagers with the opportunity to be mentored by adult counselors and specialists and to learn the leadership skills necessary for them to act as role models for children younger than themselves.  CITs will have an extensive amount of direct interaction with campers and are expected to act in a manner appropriate for a leadership role in a camp setting. Applications, references and an interview are required prior to selection. Training is required for all selected camp CITs.  For more information and an application, please call AFTER SCHOOL at 608-276-9782.

*All swimming activities are based on a child’s swimming ability.  Find out more about swimming on page 6 of the Dane Day Camp Booklet, and on the swim permission form within the camp registration packet, downloadable from the Summer Day Camp Registration page.